مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - PROSPECTIVE ELEMENTARY MATHEMATIC TEACHERS’ BELIEFS ABOUT TEACHING MATHEMATICS

Abstract :

The goal of this study is to determine elementary mathematics teachers’ beliefs about teaching mathematics. The reasons underlying these beliefs are also discussed. Determining the beliefs of teachers is important since teachers’ instructional practices are impacted by teacher’s beliefs and they are critical in the success of curriculum reform. The way how mathematics should be taught was asked to 181 prospective elementary mathematics teachers and requested to explain their views by writing under six headings (“What is the role of the teacher?”, “What is the role of the student?”, “How should be the teaching?”, “How should the measurement and evaluation be done?”, “How should be the interaction among students?”, and “How should be the interaction between students and teacher?”). Semi-constructed interviews were made with 6 of the participants. The results of the study showed that prospective mathematics teachers have mostly intermediate point of view between traditional and constructivist teaching and closer to traditional teaching. Some implications related to teaching are suggested using the results.